Black women's experience of transitioning to a natural hairstyle: A qualitative study

A number of sources in Afrocentric theory and Black psychology suggest that for people of the African Diaspora, hair holds cultural significance, and hair style choices may be reflective of racial identity. This study investigated Black women's experience of ceasing the use of hair alteration practices, and adopting a natural hairstyle. The participants were 15 self-identified Black women, 18 years or older, who made a deliberate decision to cease altering of their hair after an extended period of having engaged in hair alteration. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Results indicated that participants were indoctrinated into hair alteration practices during childhood by female family members, which inculcated a belief that their natural hair was unattractive and socially unacceptable. Unpleasant experiences with hair alterations were reported, leading to negative attitudes towards the practice of hair alteration. Furthermore, the participants indicated that through transitioning back to hair of a natural state, they gained a stronger connection to their African heritage and a more positive sense of self. The relationship of the findings to literature on Black identity and the clinical implications of the findings are discussed.